Meditation

Meditation and Mindfulness in all its forms has become so popular in recent years due to the wealth of studies and first hand experiences that exist to support its efficacy.

There are so many varying styles and practices, that it can be difficult to arrive at a single definition that effectively captures what meditation is.

Ultimately, meditation is a term used for a broad range of practices that can support a person to cultivate really useful skills and capacities that nourish their emotional and mental health, and overall wellbeing.

People feel the benefits of their practice as they go about their day to day lives, often experiencing a greater sense of ease within themselves, and an ability to be more attuned and connected to their present moment experience.

These positive effects can actually be seen through MRI scans. It has been shown that meditation strengthens the parts of the brain that are most important for regulating our emotions, and that the parts of the brain that are most associated with the stress response are soothed and become less active as a result of the practice of meditation (Siegel, 2007).

Meditation might take the form of a formal sitting practice where attention is brought to an anchoring aspect of a person’s experience, for example the breath.

Or a meditation practice might be centered around movement, such as mindful walking, or through the practice of mindful movement and Yoga.

Being in nature can be a really beautiful way to practice meditation and being more present to our experience by connecting at a sensory level with all the grounding and soothing elements available to us in nature.